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English Program

2025 Eclectic Texts Conference (ETC)

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In the fall of 2024, George Fox University’s Department of English and Languages launched the Eclectic Texts Conference (ETC). Embodying the university vision of “Christ and Culture,” this  two-day event considers the significance of popular texts within literary, political, religious, and scholarly discourses, with particular focus on how these texts intersect with Christian faith and discipleship. Consistent with George Fox’s emphasis on undergraduate education, this event specifically welcomes undergraduate research into conversation with professional scholarship. 

Beneath the Bonnet poster

ETC 2025 Beneath the Bonnet: The Secret World of Jane Austen

Dear Reader, 

We formally invite you to join us November 14-15 for this year’s Eclectic Texts Conference as we delve “Beneath the Bonnet” into the Secret World of Jane Austen.

We welcome paper and panel submissions from scholars, students, and Austen devotees of all disciplines and backgrounds as we celebrate Austen’s 250th Birthday.  

Possible topics include (but are certainly not limited to):

In addition to a stimulating selection of panels (enriched by your presentation), this event will feature keynotes by outstanding scholars, an Austentatious Ball with prizes for the best regency era costumes (on Friday evening), and a world premiere theatrical production of scenes from Austen’s Juvenilia (on Saturday evening).   

Do us the honor of joining in the festivities:

All proposals (scholarly or otherwise) should be directed to gfu-english@georgefox.edu by October 8. (Please include your CV (resume) along with your proposal of no more than 250 words.) 

Registration information for presenters and attendees will be forthcoming.

Yours most truly,
The Department of English and Languages 

FAQ

The conference is scheduled Nov. 14-15, 2025, on the George Fox University campus in Newberg, Oregon. On Friday, we’ll host a keynote speaker and have a special after-conference event. On Saturday, we’ll host panel sessions in the morning and afternoon and a keynote speaker during brunch. Our final speaker will close the conference in the afternoon. In the evening, we will host a world premere theatre event.  
Yes! This conference is open to all who love Jane Austen, including pastors, teachers, parents and fans. We particularly want to invite high school students to attend! The event is a great opportunity to learn even more about Austen, experience a university campus, and see firsthand how a liberal arts education can help you think more deeply about the things you love.
This is a teaching conference, so we want to invite those with little or no conference experience to take part in the fun of presenting a conference paper. In particular, we welcome all undergraduate, graduate, and professional scholars to present on all things Austen. Papers from unaffiliated scholars, community members and others will all be considered. Proposals are due by Wednesday, October 8th, and are to be submitted to gfu-english@georgefox.edu.
A conference paper proposal poses the question your paper will be considering, gives some context for why this question matters, offers a tentative thesis, and describes how you will make your argument. The proposal should include the paper title, follow MLA formatting, and be about 300 words in length (give or take 10%).
A conference paper is 15 minutes long (about 7.5 double-spaced pages, 12-point Times New Roman font). Papers are presented as part of a panel. A panel is a grouping of papers, typically three, that are thematically linked that conference presenters put together. After all three papers are presented, there is a time for questions. Presenters, especially undergraduate and graduate presenters, typically read prepared papers. Some presenters like to use a slideshow to accompany their paper.
Email your 300-word proposal (outlined above) to gfu-english@georgefox.edu. We will review the proposal and let you know if your paper is accepted for the conference. While we hope to include most paper submissions, sometimes a paper simply doesn’t fit the conference theme or have the necessary academic value.

Once we’ve reviewed your proposal, we’ll email you to let you know if your paper has been accepted. By Oct. 1, we will have the conference schedule available so you know when and where you will present. You can register for the conference at any time, and even if your paper isn’t selected, we’d love for you to attend!

We ask that you attend as much of the conference as possible to support our presenters and speakers. No access to the Austentacious Ball will be given without an official ticket (given to checked-in attenders at the conclusion of the first keynote). 
Newberg has many hotels and other accommodations to offer. If you are looking for lodging, check out our recommendations on this page for deals and discounts..
We will not have a remote attendance option this year. We encourage you to use this conference as an excuse to visit our beautiful campus or connect with Austen fans near you.
Please ask! You can email gfu-english@georgefox.edu with any additional questions.

Past Events

ETC Poster

Taylor Swift: The Voice of an Age

The theme of the 2024 conference, “Taylor Swift: The Voice of an Age,”  explored the impact Swift has had on our culture through panels, presentations, and activities.

Papers were presented by faculty, alumni, and current students, including both English majors and non-majors. Topics ranged from an investigation into a potential conspiracy between Swift and the NFL, to her influence on feminism, to how Christians communities can learn from her fan base.

View past event material

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